Does Honey Fade Scars?

Honey is a natural product that has been used as a medicinal remedy for centuries. Although honey has several perceived therapeutic benefits, however, there is little modern research to back up the historical applications of honey. You can use honey to treat scars, but make sure you choose the right type of honey. Consult a qualified professional for personalized advice on the use of honey to fade scars.

You can buy honey in most grocery stores. However, this type of honey is usually processed and has little therapeutic value. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, in “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” recommend the use of unfiltered, unheated and unprocessed honey for therapeutic benefits. Raw honey is concentrated nectar made by honeybees directly from the nectar of flowers; it is not pasteurized or processed. Use raw honey to fade scars.

Honey has several purported benefits. According to "Heart Views," the journal of the Gulf Heart Association, honey stimulates the healing process, is effective in the treatment of wounds and stimulates tissue regeneration. According to the website Organic Facts, honey is used in the treatment of acne scars because it is a natural moisturizer. Patricia Davis, in “Aromatherapy: An A-Z,” says honey works well in the treatment of many skin conditions. However, although honey has been used historically to treat many conditions, including scars, the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" says further research and clinical evaluation of the healing benefits of honey are needed.

The Acne Treatment Zone website recommends mixing 2 tbsp. of honey with 2 tbsp. of olive oil and applying the blend to your skin. Massage for 3 minutes and then place a hot washcloth onto your skin. Once the washcloth has cooled, use it to wipe off any excess oil. This will soften the skin enough to allow you to remove the dead skin cells. You can also blend 2 tbsp. of honey with 1 tbsp. of baking soda. Dampen your skin and massage the paste in. This blend exfoliates the skin and can help fade acne scars. You can also blend honey with a variety of other ingredients, such as essential oils, to create a honey face mask for acne scars.

Honey is cited by several sources as a treatment for acne scars. It does have many purported therapeutic benefits and a long history of use. According to the "Heart Views," the effectiveness of honey to treat wounds and ulcers has been medically documented. However, there is no conclusive medical research to validate the use of honey in the treatment of scars.